KR20000022784A - Driving device with a actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A driving device with operator is provided to prevent the malfunction of a position detector due to heat, wave, moisture, dust etc, generated in a car and to prevent wearing of the detector. CONSTITUTION: A driving device with operator comprises an operator for operating moving parts and a position detector. The position detector has a magnet(18) inserted into the moving parts and hole components(19) arranged in neighbor to the magnet(18). The hole components(19) are integrated into an electronic module(17). The electronic module is ASIC type and arranged on a print circuit(16) inserted into a housing(14). The electronic module may be a hybrid type module inserted into a housing(14).

Description

Drive unit with actuating driver {DRIVING DEVICE WITH A ACTUATOR}

The present invention relates to a drive device having a detection device as well as a drive device as described in the preamble of claim 1.

U.S. Patent 5,240,296 discloses a drive in the form of a locking device for a vehicle door, in which the movable element on the front of the lever can be moved to two positions by an actuating driver, the lever being locked The device can be locked and unlocked.

The position detection device is a potentiometer in which conductive tracks are printed on a printed circuit board, which are contacted by wipers attached to the lever. Depending on the position where the lever is located, the "locking" and "unlocking position" are detected, and furthermore the actuation driver is switched on and off as a function of the detected position.

The detection of the path of the actuation driver and the actuation thereof, as well as the position of the movable element, is inherently satisfactory, so that the required positions can be identified.

However, the main drawback to this is that the position detection device is subject to stringent environmental conditions such as temperature, waves, moisture, dust, etc. occurring in the vehicle, and these conditions (the temperature, wave, moisture, dust, which may be mentioned next on this background). Etc.) may malfunction the position detection device. Moreover, the position detection device in the form of a potentiometer can be worn, which wear occurs especially when used in a vehicle in which the locking device is operated very frequently. In this context, it may be contemplated to use suitable materials that do not wear significantly, but in general these are expensive and practically cannot be used for cost reduction in mass production.

Moreover, the position detection device in the form of a potentiometer has the drawback that a contact resistance occurs at the connection point between the wiper and the conductive track, so that the correct position is not always reliably indicated even in this case, due to the modulation of the indicated position. However, while the position detection device instructs "unlocking", the correct position indication is actually absolutely necessary because the actuation driver and the entire locking device may be in the "locking" state so that the actuation driver cannot be actuated, Since the position detection device indicates that the actuation driver is already in the "unlocked" position, it is possible to open the door.

It is an object of the present invention to improve the drive device mentioned at the outset having an actuation driver and a position detection device in such a way as to very simply eliminate the drawbacks mentioned above to achieve reliable operation.

1 is a view showing the design principle of the locking device,

2 shows the arrangement of the elements shown in FIG. 1 in a housing, and

3 is a detailed view of FIG. 2 relating to a position detection device.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

1: electronic motor 2: shaft

3: worm gear 4: control cam

5: outer circumference 6: inner protrusion

7: outer protrusion 8: middle region

9: axis 10: first lever

11: pin 12: second lever

13 common shaft 14 housing

15 housing cover 16 printed circuit

17: electronic module 18: magnetic element

19: Hall element 20: Magnetic element holder

The object of the invention is achieved by the features of claim 1.

The present invention provides a position detection device having not only a magnet element fitted to a movable element but also a Hall element arranged in the vicinity of the magnet element, the Hall element being adjusted by an electronic module.

The position of the movable element is detected using the physical Hall effect which is mentioned briefly at the end.

Since the movable element and the position detection device are no longer in contact with each other, this position detection device operates without contact and abrasion, so that the function of the drive device is inherently of the complete life span or of the object (for example the vehicle) on which it is installed. It works reliably over its lifetime. The design and assembly of the drive device according to the invention does not require any alignment between the magnet element and the hole element, and it is appropriate to ensure the operation of the position detection device in a sufficiently accurate vicinity. Moreover, there is no need to install a conductive track on the printed circuit board for the presence of the wiper or the wipers of the potentiometer, which needs to be observed through many analyzes of the movable elements and becomes practically complicated.

In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic module is in the form of an ASIC. The term ASIC means an electronic module specified during programming or for application thereof and by programming for the problem in question. ASICs include input and output circuits, memory, processors, monitor devices (eg, temperature, voltage, short circuits, etc.), sensors (eg, hall elements), and the like. This has the advantage of providing an integrated module in a very small space. An additional advantage is that it includes a reduced quiescent current only because the functions performed are those needed for a reduced manufacturing cost for each application. Testing of the ASIC can be simplified because it is not necessary to test all the functions of a commonly used multifunction chip. One important factor is still very good copy protection because it is impossible to see from the outside of the ASIC what parts it contains and what functions it provides. Therefore, integration of the sensor provides a so-called active sensor, which provides a signal that has already been evaluated and filtered for further processing. Signal processing at the detection point also allows sensitive and small measurement changes to be detected, amplified and passed on to the next evaluation, resulting in reduced sensitivity to effects. This is especially important for applications in vehicles since malfunctions are often caused by electromagnet effects.

In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic module has an evaluation circuit for the output signal of the Hall element and / or an operation circuit for producing an operation signal for the operation driver. This increases the miniaturization of the design since the evaluation circuit as well as the operating circuit are integrated in the electronic module. The advantage is that no additional wiring is required because the electronic module is arranged with the evaluation circuit and the operating circuit in the physical driver's physical approach as well as the movable element. This is followed by a device with an integrated drive and an integrated sensor system, and the wiring that needs to be directed to this drive is for other signals only for power supply and by means of an operating driver intended to be operated from the outside.

A further advantage for the use of the electronic module in the drive and for the integration of the evaluation circuit and / or the operating circuit in the electronic module is not only the connection between the evaluation element and the Hall element which supplies the output signal as a function of position. The connection between the evaluation circuit and the operating driver is kept extremely short, which does not require any measurements necessary to prevent disturbances from radiation effects. This not only avoids electromagnet impact radiation but also improves the overall drive reliability.

In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic module is in particular in the form of a flexible printed circuit and arranged in a printed circuit inserted in the housing of the drive device.

This is because the printed circuit is manufactured in the first step in advance with at least the electronic module, possibly together with the additional wiring and the additional electronic module, while the movable elements, the operating driver and the additional functional elements of the drive device are produced in this step. Is inserted into the housing, so that when they are inserted it only needs to be fitted into the printed circuit together with the electronic module and the assembly of the drive device is terminated, making the assembly very easy. This process is considerably simplified because no precise arrangement between the movable element and the position detection device is necessary, although it is necessary to ensure that the electronic module is arranged with the hall element in the vicinity of the magnet element attached to the movable element. The printed circuit in the housing may be a separate component, while in contrast, the printed circuit may be inserted into the housing cover and then fitted into the housing or into an integral part of the housing cover. In this case, one possible manufacturing process is that the printed circuit together with the electronic module is manufactured first of all, and then at least two parts are surrounded by plastic in the form of a housing cover, so that the electronic module with printed circuit and hall elements It is positioned under the plastic coating to ensure complete protection. During the manufacture of the housing cover, which is inherently related to the housing itself, a connecting means such as a plug or socket can also be provided. For example, in order to make a connection between a plug and an electronic module, the electronic module is not needed with a print arc with conductive tracks, so instead of all that is necessary in the form of conductive tracks imprinted on the plastic housing cover It is possible to produce conductive tracks. Flexible printed circuits are particularly well accommodated in housings of complex design and have advantages in applications that are subject to oscillation and vibration because oscillation and vibration are better absorbed by the flexible printed circuit than rigid printed circuits.

Hybrid modules or so-called lead frames can be used as an alternative to printed circuits. Hybrid modules include electronic circuits that include a plurality of electronic components (resistors, capacitors, processors, sensors). Such a module is wired for a particular application and must be inserted into the housing and connected to its surroundings (especially the power supply).

The so-called lead frame means in particular a component having a non-conductive substrate made of plastic. Such substrates are in the form of large planes, but may be formed by other suitable methods to bend or twist and conform to the installation location. The conductive regions, in particular the tracks, consist of sheet-shaped metal parts inserted into the substrate and imprinted. One possible way of making a lead frame is to place a sheet metal part in a mold and extrusion-coated it with plastic. At the point where the electrical component is located on the substrate, equivalent conductive regions are connected to the outside and in contact with the equivalent components. The plug or the like contacts with one formed integrally with the substrate or made as a separate component. Therefore, after installation of the lead frame, this is followed by an electronic module which can be functionally checked before installation in the housing. Only a functional module can be installed in the housing so that one possible source of defect can be eliminated after completion of the entire drive.

In an embodiment of the invention, the magnet element is arranged in a movable element holder attached to the axis of the movable element. This has the advantage of simple assembly, so that all that is needed is to fill the magnet element on the shaft by means of a magnetic element holder, even if other attachment choices (eg bonding) are also possible. Moreover, the use of the magnetic element holder also has the advantage that the tolerance in the axial direction can be compensated by means of the magnetic element holder. In addition, one and the same magnet, in particular a permanent magnet, can be fitted through this magnetic element holder to another axis or other movable element having a different geometry. As a result, it is conceivable to use different magnets for one and the same movable element through the magnet element holder.

As described earlier, one particularly advantageous application of the device according to the invention is the vehicle locking device because of the strict operating conditions and can be eliminated by the hall element according to the invention. Although this field of application is deemed particularly desirable, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to this field of application and that there may be other applications of the drive device according to the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The use of the driving device according to the present invention is a locking device described below, which will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 shows an electrically operable locking device having an actuating driver in the form of an electronic motor 1. A worm gear 3 is provided on the shaft 2 of the electronic motor 1, in which case the electric element in the form of the control cam 4 is driven by the electronic motor 1. The outer circumferential portion 5 of the control cam 4 has teeth (not shown in FIG. 1) which are engaged with the worm gear 3 to form a stepwise downward transmission. An inner projection 6 and an outer projection 7 are provided on one side of the control cam 4. The inner and outer protrusions 6, 7 form a schematic profile for setting various functions of the locking device as described later.

The control cam 4 is mounted on the shaft 9 so that it can rotate. The end of the first lever 10 facing the control cam 4 is fitted with a pin 11, the pin protruding into the intermediate region 8 to contact the contours of the inner projection 6 and the outer projection 7. do. In addition, FIG. 1 is also set on the common shaft 13 together with the first lever 10 and set independently of the first lever 10 by means of the inner and outer projections that are outside of the control cam 4. The second lever 12 can be shown. At this point, the operation of the inner door handle or outer door handle in conjunction with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may or may not be transferred to a locking element, such as a locking catch or movable parts, depending on the position of the levers 10 and 12. . In addition, one handle (inner door handle) is provided with its own electronic motor 1 with only one lever together with the control cam 4, the inner protrusion 6 and the outer protrusion 7 on one side only. I can think of it. This is not illustrated as the design of the locking element does not affect the configuration of the actuation driver. However, for the sake of clarity, it is described that the handle is connected via a cable or bow to an additional lever that can be actuated by the first lever 10. The additional lever acts on a locking catch which interacts with a locking element, for example a tumbler. In one of those positions, operation of the first lever 10 causes the additional lever to operate in the locking catch when the handle is operated, while in the other operating position, the first lever 10 causes the operation of the handle to lock. It acts on the additional lever so as not to act on the catch (inactive running).

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has an extremely planar configuration, which includes all of the electrically operable locking devices, such as "unlocking", "(central) locking", and "anti-theft (child protection locking also possible)". Allow the functions. By the movement of the levers 10, 12 as a function of the proper operation of the electronic motor 1 and the appearance of the control cam 4, the locking functions are combined with only one operating driver (electronic motor 1). Handles (eg, inner and outer door handles) are provided.

2 shows the arrangement of the elements shown in FIG. 1 in the housing 14. In FIG. 2 this housing 14 is sealed so that the top is open and a seal is formed by the housing cover 15. For this purpose, a seal (not indicated or indicated by any number) is provided circumferentially at the connection point between the housing 14 and the housing cover 15, so that the elements and additional elements shown in FIG. It is housed in a moisture proof and dustproof manner covered by the housing cover 15.

The printed circuit 16 is inserted into the housing 14, and for this purpose, the housing 14 or the housing cover 15 or both so that suitable means (eg pins, etc.) hold the printed circuit 16. Is provided. Therefore, the printed circuit 16 is inserted with a suitable cut out, or the printed circuit 16 has a hole to guide it over the pins in the housing 14, in which case the appropriate bonding pins are in place in the printed circuit 16. ) Is provided in the housing cover 15.

In the region of the movable element whose position is intended to be detected (in this case the axis 9 of the control cam 4), the printed circuit 16 is connected to the printed circuit 16 and to its conductive track (not shown). An electronic module 17 electrically connected through a plug is fitted. The electronic module 17 is mechanically fitted on the printed circuit 16 as necessary. At the end facing the electronic module 17, the shaft 9 is fitted with a magnetic element 18, such that the rotation of the shaft 9 also causes the magnetic element 18 to rotate north and south. Is detected by the electronic module 17 and evaluated. This detection and evaluation is described next.

3 is a detailed view of the electronic module 17 and the magnet element 18. The Hall element 19 in response to the rotation of the magnet element 18 is also arranged in the electronic module 17, in which an evaluation circuit (not shown) is accommodated. The magnet element 18 is a permanent magnet having a north pole N and a south pole S. The rotation of the magnet element 18 changes the current through the hall element 19, creating a so-called hall voltage, so that if the magnet element 18 rotates more than once, the output signal from this hall element 19 is a digital signal. Or other continuous signal (signal sequence). This output signal from the Hall element 19 is evaluated by the evaluation circuit, which may be done by counting the output pulses from the Hall element 19. This evaluated output signal is converted into an operation signal for the operation driver (electronic motor 1), in which case the electronic motor 1 is activated until an additional position is reached, for example. When it is confirmed that this position has been reached, the electronic motor 1 is switched off. Forward braking for the electronic motor 1 can also be provided by means of an evaluation circuit and an operating circuit integrated in the electronic module 17, so that when an initial position before a specific position has been detected, The control can be adjusted downward so that this position is reached slowly and overshooting is avoided, rather than the electronic motor 1 being switched off only when a predetermined position has been reached. As a result, complicated adjustment operation for the electronic motor 1 is not necessary to reach that position.

The magnet element holder 20 holding the magnet element 18 is also fitted to the shaft 9. The magnet element holder 20 is made of plastic and connects the magnet element 18 to the end of the shaft 9 by clamping, in which case the magnet element 18 is a hole element for the magnet element 18. It is possible to move in the axial direction in the direction of or away from the hole element 19 for the axial position adjustment of 19 and to compensate for the tolerance. Moreover, the fact that the magnet elements 18 are arranged at a distance from the end of the shaft 9 means that the magnetization of the shaft 9 (made of metal material) is significantly prevented, and the magnetization of the shaft has an unnecessary effect.

In addition, FIG. 2 is arranged in the housing 14 together with the housing cover 15 such that both the electronic module 17 and the magnetic element 18 are protected from external influences. If such a protected arrangement is not possible due to the geometric relationship and / or the physical volume, a protective housing can also be provided around the magnet element 18 and the electronic module 17. In addition, in FIG. 2, an arrangement may be envisioned in which the printed circuit 16 has a groove in which the magnetic element 18 protrudes, and the electronic module 17 is arranged above the printed circuit 16 in view of FIG. 2. This has an additional advantage in physical volume.

At this point, the purpose of the Hall element operation and the principle of its evaluation are briefly described. The hall element has a stabilized current I flowing through it. Magnets actuated by moving actuating elements or arranged in fixed positions or in such actuating elements create a magnetic field B acting on the hall elements. The so-called Hall voltage U _H , which is produced when the magnetic field B of this magnet moves towards or away from the Hall element, starts on the Hall element and is supplied to the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit has an external voltage source, which is received via suitable wires (eg voltage wires and ground wires). Furthermore, a signal wire is provided so that the evaluation hall voltage U _H is made available for further processing via the signal wire and the ground wire. In this case, this is a so-called intellectual evaluation unit, which provides an output signal that has already been processed. A current source is provided in the evaluation unit, in particular to make a stabilized current I through the Hall element.

According to the present invention, there is provided a drive device having an operation driver and a position detection device in which defects with the prior art are eliminated to achieve reliable operation.

Claims (12)

A drive device having a position detection device for detecting a position of a movable element as well as an operating driver for driving a movable element, The position detecting device has not only a magnet element 18 fitted to the movable element but also a Hall element 19 arranged in the vicinity of the magnet element 18, which is integrated into the electronic module 17. It is a drive device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. A drive device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic module (17) is in the form of an ASIC. 3. The electronic module (17) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic module (17) has an evaluating circuit for the output signal of the hall element (19) and / or an actuating circuit for producing an actuation signal for the actuation driver. To drive. 4. The electronic device (17) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic module (17) is arranged on a printed circuit (16), in particular a flexible printed circuit, wherein the printed circuit (16) is provided with a housing ( Drive device, characterized in that it is inserted into 14). 4. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic module is a hybrid type module and the hybrid module is inserted into a housing of the drive device. 5. 4. A drive device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic module (17) is arranged on a lead frame and the lead frame is inserted into a housing (14) of the drive device. 4. The electronic module (17) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic module (17) is arranged in a printed circuit (16), which is inserted into a housing cover (15) for the housing (14) of the drive device. Or as part of a housing cover (15). Drive device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnet element (18) is arranged in a magnet element holder (20) attached to the axis (9) of the movable element. A drive device according to claim 1, wherein the drive device is in the form of a vehicle locking device. 10. A drive device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the movable element is a control cam (4) for setting the functional position of the locking device. Drive device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation driver is in the form of an electronic motor (1). The drive device according to claim 1, wherein at least the magnet element is housed in a protective housing, in particular a housing, and the housing encloses the magnet element.